Egypt is witnessing a big increase in hotel occupancy in coordination with the start of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Egypt in the governorates of Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and Ismailia, with the participation of 24 teams, which will last until July 19 next.
A member of the Chamber of Tourism, Waheed Assem, told Daily News Egypt that the rate of hotel occupancy is going well, as the percentage of occupancy in all the governorates hosting the matches significantly increased.
He explained that hotel occupancy in Cairo amounted to 35,000 rooms, 4,000 in Alexandria, and 3,000 hotels in Borg El Arab.
Assem added that the occupancy rate in hotels in Ismailia reached 65%, while all the hotels in Ain Sokhna, near Suez governorate, were booked.
Mohammed Imbaby, Head of the Cafes, Restaurants, and Tourism Facilities Division in the Giza Chamber of Commerce told Daily News Egypt that the demand exceeded all expectations.
He explained that the restaurants and cafes are seeing lots of reservations and demand, in the presence of delegations from countries participating in the tournament.
He added that the original way the AFCON opening was presented, and the good organisation has increased expectations for more demand as the matches continue.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened its doors to the African public to enter and visit free of charge in conjunction with the tournament.
“The Library of Alexandria has approved the demand of the organising committee to allow African fans to enter the library free of charge at all times,” said Amer Hussein, the head of Group B in AFCON.
Hussein thanked the library officials’ request for approving the request of the committee, allowing fans from Nigeria, Guinea, Burundi, and Madagascar to enter the library as one of the important tourist landmarks, not only in Egypt, but in the world.
